The inspiration for this post came from an article I read yesterday. As part of The Giving Pledge and because of the personal commitment he made in 2006, it was announced that Warren Buffet was giving $2.6 billion of Bershire Hathaway Inc. stock to 5 more charities.
In Warren Buffet’s “My Philanthropic Pledge” he states:
…this pledge does not leave me contributing the most precious asset, which is my time. Many people, including — I’m proud to say — my three children, give extensively of their own time and talents to help others. Gifts of this kind often prove far more valuable than money.
I found this to be very inspiring. Reading it made me think of ways that we could give back to the community, show support for a non-profit organization or charity without having to spend a fortune.
5 Alternative Ways to Donate to Charity
Fundraisers
A really fun way to give back is to join a fundraiser. Many fundraisers involve things like walkathons and marathons. A wonderful way to spend the day with the family while participating in healthy activities and supporting a cause. Also fundraising ideas are a way to spread the word out about a cause or social issue. The re-sale of fundraiser items help boost fundraising efforts. You can use fundraising gifts to advertise your business at charity events that you sponsor.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to give back. Donate your time to help the charity of your choice. You could lend a hand to feed the homeless, spend time with the elderly, or help clean up a park. There are resources, like VolunteerMatch, online that will help you find volunteer opportunities in your area. If you own a business encourage employees to get involved. It can prove to be a rewarding opportunity for everyone. Represent your brand by wearing corporate logo t-shirts or name tags while volunteering.
Clothing Drop
Giving away my used clothing and/or household goods is one of my most favorite tasks. There is something freeing about a good household purge. My rule of thumb is if I haven’t used it or worn it in 2 years then it can go. The added benefit, of course, is that when you give your clothes and things to charity you know it won’t go to waste. What is no longer valuable to you maybe to someone else. Keep in mind that you can not donate outdated goods such as Tube TV’s and VHS tapes. Make sure you check with the organization before your bring your stuff to the drop off location. If you have an abundance of promotional products left over from an event, they might make a good donation as well.
Food Banks
It’s amazing how quickly you can fill up a few boxes of food by collecting non-perishable and canned goods from your neighbors, family and friends. Local food pantries are always in need of more. According to the organization Feeding America over 50 million people in this country are struggling with hunger. One idea is to imprint your business logo on an economic tote bag. Then hand them out for those to use while collecting food for the food banks. This way you can gain exposure and creditability for your business.
Matching Gifts
The corporation that you or your spouse work for may offer a matching gift. This means that when you make a charitable donation your company will match that donation. So for example, if you give $100 and your company matches at a 1:1 ratio then the charity will get $200. Make sure you check your firm’s website before you make your next donation because you might be able to make it go twice as far.
All these ways are helpful and may require your time. The bottom line is, like Buffet said, time is a very valuable asset and that is the best thing you can give to someone who is in need.
What ways have you given back to the community? Are there any other ways you can think of to help a charity of choice?
Money in my estimation is low hanging fruit. You can give a little or a lot and that’s it. It’s easy. When you get involved with your time, as Buffet implies, you cannot get it back. And along with your time you give your energy which when giving back to the community in my experience, it comes back to you many fold. My husband and I give in just about all the ways you mention.
Patricia Weber recently posted…Emotional Baggage Have You Waiting in a Safe Zone?
HI Patricia,
If you don’t have giving money away is no fun, but there are other ways to give back. I think it is great that you giving of yourself. My daughter has MS so I give to the MS walkathons. It works when we all help
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
All these are such great ideas. As a mom I think it is very important to model this way if being. When my oldest first started school I got very involved with our fundraiser, and chaired the event for a few years. My daughter was so proud every time she saw me on campus! Volunteering for a local soup kitchen with your kids is a great way to spend valuable time together while teaching them the importance of giving back! And I love the idea of initiating a food drive in your neighborhood to support a local food bank!
Valerie Remy Milora recently posted…5 Strategies for Fast Fat Loss before Summer Ends
You are setting a wonderful example for your daughter. Just helping out with the PTA is getting involved. The soup kitchen is wonderful for teaching kids many lessons.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
What a wonderful idea for paying it forward. There are so many charities that need help and sometimes they just need volunteers. Great article. Hopefully it inspired people to give. 🙂
Susan Cooper recently posted…Emotional Baggage: Story (Podcast)
Giving is so rewarding on any level.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
Good suggestions of alternatives to fundraising. Always wonder why people throw away things like clothes and furniture instead of giving them to charities. They come and pick up furniture and other big items. All you have to do is call them.
I guess we get so busy in our daily lives we forget what we throw out can be valuable to someone else.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
You never fail to amaze me with your posts. Not only are they always very informational, but you always have a great way of tying in promoting your company. These are great ideas for contributing to the community. And it is true, time is the most valuable thing you can give because far too many people always say, “I wish I had more time. Then I would volunteer.” But people don’t realize that they do have this time. They just don’t know how to find it.
Mary Slagel recently posted…Doctors are Turning to Smart Phones to Help Patients
If we want something badly enough, we find the time to do it. Thank you for the compliment about our blogs. We really try to put effort in writing interesting posts.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
Arleen — this comes under volunteering, but smaller volunteer organizations are desperate to make contacts with large organizations (for money and in-kind donations) but also with senior corporate executives who could eventually become board members. That’s how I’ve helped two small organizations. One I consult to and the other I was on the Board. I was able to introduce my client to two highly-placed women who eventually accepted Board positions. That’s a great weakness in smaller volunteer organizations. They can’t get individuals with connections and money to be on their boards.
Jeannette Paladino recently posted…How a Tweet on Twitter Got Action (Finally) From a Social Care Rep
Maybe it is a time for change to get more individuals with connections on boards. Many of us money that can be donated. It doesn’t have to be large sums. I donate money to the multiple Sclerosis Foundation. There are so many charities out there that effect our lives. Since I have been donating great strides have been made to get this diesease under control. I don’t know if they will find a cure in my daughter’s lifetime but I hope it will help others.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
I found this really interesting. I visited a unit for people with learning disabilities recently and I was amazed how many things they created out of boxes and cans etc. It made me appreciated how we throw things away without thinking of further use.
Thank you for the article , it was very interesting.
Hi Lynda
I would have never thought about using boxes and cans, we just throw them out. We are a society of throwing things away instead of donating. Thank you for commenting.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
We make it a point to go through stuff to donate on a regular basis. With our kids we made it a point around every Christmas to go through their toys and donate ones they no longer played with.
Jon Jefferson recently posted…Push Through
Jon,
It is a great idea to donate toys. I see so many people having garage sales that they make hardly anything and it would be more rewarding to donate.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
All good ways to help Arleen and I make a point to give furniture or clothes to charities. One thing I have noticed the charities in my country are getting very particular about what they will take especially with furniture. Unless it is in good condition they will not take it away.
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Hi Susan,
I guess it is getting too costly to remove furniture. I don’t know about if this will work in your country, but call state funded nursing homes, here they are looking for furniture.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
Love the post Arleen and Susan! If businesses are not able to donate cash directly, they could donate their services – I guess that would tie in to volunteering. I read a story about a couple in Syracuse, NY who wanted to renew their wedding vows. The husband was in the military and sustained serious injuries – it threw their plans way off. Local businesses all rallied and donated everyting (flowers, music, dinner, photography). Many business are willing to help this way if asked 🙂
Ivan
That is what most of us don’t think to do is ask some of your larger businesses to help. I would not over do it but it is not a bad idea. We all can help. Thank you for stoppig by.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
Before I remarried I did a lot more volunteering and various events throughout Indianapolis. My current husband (from Germany) doesn’t understand the concept of volunteering. If he’s not getting paid for it in some way he won’t do it.
Since my son started school I was involved with the parent teacher organization, starting with the volunteer coordinator to the carnival chair to the secretary. Now that he’s going on to middle school I don’t know how or where I’ll volunteer next.
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Cassi,
Good for you for volunteering your time. I feel the world is round and it will come back to you. If you have time to volunteer, it is rewarding.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
Great post, Arleen. Whenever I give my money or my time or my surplus items, I feel good about life. It gives me an energy boost, and makes me want to keep giving further. You’ve inspired me to make a Goodwill run this afternoon when I do a banking errand. Thanks for putting us all back in touch with our instincts to give. Thanks also for your good comment at Diamond-Cut Life. It feels good to visit each other like this.
Alison,
If we all give in some way we make a difference. Please visit every Wednesday as we put up a new blog. I will be happy to reciprocate
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
I think it’s so important to give back in any way we can. It’s a big part of finding joy within ourselves. Happiness in things can be fleeting, but true joy in our hearts is about giving to others.
I participate every year in a ‘walk for life’ fund raiser and it’s amazing. I love doing it. People are always happy to give, in fact I’ve had people support me that I’ve never even met. The walk is also a great way to meet people and connect.
Blessings,
Liz
Liz recently posted…Stop Making These Silly Business Blogging Mistakes
Liz,
It is great that you are doing a walk for life. I know how you feel about the feeling and people are willing to support. I do the walk for the cure.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
Hi Arleen!
There is nothing more fulfilling that to “give back” especially with our time. I just loved the time I spent at a local food bank packaging and handing out food to people. They always put me at the front table (because of my big mouth lol) I would greet the people and make them feel comfortable. Even give them recipes of how to make those greens that people don’t eat enough of. What a wonderful feeling.
There are so many ways we can give our time instead of money and I prefer to do things that way myself. Money is just money, but when you get involved with organizations you really get to be part of it all.
I recycle EVERYTHING! Sometimes it takes me hours to give clothing here and shoes there, knowing which center needs the most.
I once had a woman come up to me at church to thank me for the christening dress I donated to “Birthright” which is an organization that is non-denominational to help those women who chose to have their baby. I had purchased three christening outfits at a store that was closing thinking it may come in handy for my grandchildren. But none of them needed it. This woman was so appreciative that she told me she will cherish it forever. Now that is a great feeling.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted…Socialize
Food banks are so rewarding and kudos to you for volunteering. Giving time your time, handing out gifts and money does help. I donate to the Multiple Sclerosis foundation as I hope one day they will find a cure. This one hits home as my daughter has the disease. I am not Warren Buffet but every little bit helps. There is nothing giving.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
People make a charity work not money. And when the charity has to pay large sums of money to people to run it, it loses it’s common touch and purpose.
Get involved to truly make a difference
Roberta Budvietas recently posted…Use ICE in Your Mindset Conditioning
No one should be paid to run a charity. It takes away what a charity is all about. Getting involved is what makes it work. Thank you for stopping by
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
Hi Arleen,
Great Post and great ideas of giving back to the community.
There is something about giving back that makes us happy and satisfied and the more we give the more we become blessed.
Another idea of fundraising that I see here in Canada all the time is Car washing, where a church community or some willing friends get washing for a good cause.
There is always a way to give back to the community and it is always good to instill it in our kids early on to grow up with a heart for giving.
Thanks Arleen for a great post and ideas. Have yourself a great rest of the week.
Be Blessed,
Neamat
Hi Neamat,
We also have car washing campaigns in the US for different campaigns. Many of our customers purchased water bottles and hand them out at walkathons which are popular. Enjoy your weekend
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
I volunteer at my kids school and send money to charities which don’t have a physical presence in my State. It is very rewarding and I think we who have a lot to give have a moral responsibility to do just that.
I love your attitude. Giving is very rewarding.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
Hi Arleen
I love the quote from Buffet and his acknowledgement that time can be more needed than money. If you have a lot of money it is easy to give where time clearly takes a part of our life.
I love the ideas you have here. My daughter-in-law recently traveled to the USA from Australia to participate in a bike ride to raise money for MS. She has done it twice now. She raises a considerable amount and stays fit in training for it. Great idea.
I always give my clothing and things I am not using to various charities. It would feel bad for me to throw them out when someone else can use them.
A great post Arleen.
Sue
Sue Price recently posted…Do You Know Your Why?
Thank you to your daughter for doing the bike ride for MS. My daughter has this disease and they have made great strides in new medicines to help control the disease. Every bit helps.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
Speaking as someone who works for a great charity, I can say that all of these ideas are wonderful. They may not seem like a big deal to the giver, but they can have a profound and life changing effect on the recipients. A visit from a volunteer can mean the only human contact that a senior gets for days on end. Thanks for sharing these great ideas Arleen.
Debra,
There is nothing like the gift of giving. Most charities are created for awareness to improve those in need. Giving back is a wonderful thing. I think it is great that you work for charities.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
What wonderful ways to share the wealth, in whatever form it comes to us. We all have different gifts and we can make a huge difference in so many ways. Thanks for sharing specific options that many haven’t thought of!
Laugh Lots, Love More!
MamaRed
(Popping in from your link on Tony Sanford’s Google + Group)
MamaRed recently posted…The Power of your words to hold you hostage or set you FREE!
Wealth can be shared in different mediums from money, service or time Each of them is giving and donating and it makes a difference. Thank you for stopping by.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
These are great suggestions for alternatives to donating money. I always donate clothing and household items to local non-profits where I know the funds will be used wisely. It saddens me to realize that not everyone is aware that some organizations that accept donations are actually for profit businesses. In our area, there are numerous collection bins but they’re not run by 501C organizations. The one that I believe is the most flagrant is actually Good Will. Even my mother didn’t realize that it’s not associated with a legitimate charity.
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Hi Sherryl,
I have never donated to Good Will as they basically resale for profit and I am sure many people are unaware. I prefer to donate to Wounded Warriors.There are so many good organizations that are worthy.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
I too love to clean out the clothes and give them to charity. It just feels so good to know that someone in need will receive them.
Becc recently posted…I took the Plunge – Part 1
I agree it is such a great feeling to know that someone will be able to use the clothes that maybe were worn very little due to fluctuation in weight, you didn’t like what you picked out in the first place. I have donated clothing that still had the tags on them. I just didn’t like them anymore. It is a great feeling to know they won’t go to waste when you donate.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
Hi Arleen,
We like the website and the great stuff here to read. Some really good fund raising ideas too!
Robert Connor recently posted…You Can Sell Your Photos Online
Hi Robert,
Thank you for stopping by. Whether it is donations or commenting on a website it is all about supporting one another.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
Hi Arleen, thank you so much for bringing this very important topic to our attention. Sometime I know that I can get so caught up in my own personal goals and aspirations that there doesn’t seem like there’s time left in the day to give to anything else. Making the time to get involved with one or more of the areas of giving that you mention here should be a top priority. There certainly is enough room for any and all the time a person can give. From previous experience I know that not only do you make a difference in the lives of folks that need it, it’s one of the most deeply personally rewarding gestures that anyone can do.
Tony recently posted…Why WordPress Websites For Your Internet Marketing Success?
Yes it does make a difference in ones life when they are in need and it is also extremely rewarding. How can you go wrong helping others.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
Volunteerism is one of the most effective ways of not only giving back to the community, but networking and feeling like you’re part of something bigger than yourself. It’s a win-win-win situation. Have you ever heard of “helper’s high?” It’s the good feeling you get from volunteering! Sometimes I almost feel selfish when doing volunteer work, because it’s so rewarding…
Krystyna Lagowski recently posted…Detroit: Hope gets an attitude.
Never heard of helpers high, but I like the feeling. It is great that you do volunteer.
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
very interesting and nice info about fund raising. Thanx.
Sonal Kalra recently posted…A Calmer You: Is the green-eyed monster attacking?
Thank you for stopping by
Arleen recently posted…Alternative Fundraising Ideas Inspired by Buffet
These are some very good ideas.
Jason B recently posted…Interstate 10 Road Trip Part 2
I am glad to see you enjoyed them
Arleen recently posted…Juggling and Balancing Business Productivity
It’s interesting to see how many options there are. Yet how often do most of us give. I am reading a book at the moment which highlights how to get people to give (as one example of making ideas stick). It’s really quite interesting. Maybe as someone in sales you would be interested in this book. I am loving it and it’s not my area :> (getting off topic sorry)
Ash / Madlemmings recently posted…How to schedule your tweets – Twitter Scheduling and more
Hi Ashley,
I am open to anything. Please let me know the name of the book. It might also interest those that comment.
Arleen recently posted…Juggling and Balancing Business Productivity
Indeed I should have finished my comment. this is the book. Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip and Dan Heath
Thank you
Arleen recently posted…Juggling and Balancing Business Productivity
I agree with Arleen, that giving out is so rewarding. Giving out makes you feel good and fulfilled inside you. Giving is an act of charity and enables one to relate to the less privileged in the society.
Thanks for this great post.
Giving is wonderful not only for the less privileged but for all causes that help in finding cures for so many diseases. It is all good
Arleen recently posted…Juggling and Balancing Business Productivity
I think that we should all be role models for our children by giving out to the less privileged.
My husband is reading his biography. Says it’s very inspiring and he’s not easily impressed!
Kelly
I never thought to read his biography but I plan to do so.